Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time to Resume Your Home Search

Last year, a staggering 70% of buyers put their home search on hold—and you might have been one of them. The housing market was tough: low inventory, soaring prices, and unpredictable mortgage rates made it difficult to find an affordable home you truly loved.

But here’s the good news: the market is shifting.

If you pressed pause on your moving plans in 2024, now may be the time to start looking again. Here’s why.

More Homes, More Choices

One of the biggest frustrations in recent years was the lack of available homes. Even if you were financially ready to buy, finding a home that fit your needs was a challenge. However, inventory is now on the rise, providing more opportunities to find the perfect place.

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that the number of homes for sale has increased by 27.5% compared to the same time last year. That’s great news for both buyers and sellers. If you’ve been hesitant to list your home because you weren’t sure where you’d move next, you now have more options than before.

A Slower Market Gives You More Time to Decide

During the height of the housing boom, homes were selling at lightning speed. If you weren’t ready to make an offer immediately, you risked losing out. But with increased inventory, homes are staying on the market longer, giving buyers more breathing room.

The latest statistics show that the average time homes spend on the market has increased by about 8% this year. While it’s still a faster pace than pre-pandemic times, this shift creates a more balanced market. Buyers now have the flexibility to take their time, compare options, and make thoughtful decisions rather than feeling rushed into a purchase.

As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

“There are more homes for sale than in the last few years, which means the market pace is a bit more manageable... Though buyers face still-high housing costs, they may find a bit more give in the market, which could give them more time to make a decision, even in the busy spring and summer months.”

Will It Be Harder to Sell Your Home?

If you’re thinking that longer time on the market might make it harder to sell your home, don’t worry. Inventory levels are still nearly 23% below pre-pandemic norms. Well-priced homes are still selling, especially as more buyers re-enter the market this season.

Bottom Line

With growing inventory, now could be the right time to make your move. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate, the market is offering more choices and less pressure to rush into a decision. If you paused your home search last year, it might be time to start looking again.